As you have surely heard, the bureaucracy in Spain is one of the largest in the entire planet Earth. If you are interested in the topic, take a look at this article from El Mundo.

I anticipate you that the officials can be quite discretionary, but this does not prevent you from asserting your rights. For this reason, to make your fight with the bureaucratic dragons more enjoyable and fun, we have compiled how in 5 steps you can obtain your NIE and that no one can oppose it.

You are surely reading this because all foreigners who, due to their economic, professional or social interests, are related to Spain, must be provided, for identification purposes, with a unique and exclusive personal number called a foreigner identity number. AKA the NIE.

The personal number will be the foreigner’s identifier, which must appear on all the documents that are issued or processed, as well as the procedures that are stamped on their identity card or passport. You should not confuse it with a residence permit or a Golden Visa.

Without further ado, if you want to obtain your NIE quickly, follow these 5 steps that we have described to help you:

1) Request an appointment at the Immigration Office

Today it is mandatory to request an appointment on the Public Administrations website to obtain the NIE. Click here to request the appointment: APPOINTMENT FOR THE NIE

The foreigner must appear personally or through representation, from Spain or outside the country.

In Spain: at the General Directorate of Police and the Civil Guard, or through the Immigration Office or Police Station of the district where you have your address.

Outside of Spain: at the Spanish diplomatic mission or consular office corresponding to your area of residence.

2) Print and fill in the necessary documents

When submitting the application, on the day of the appointment you must provide copies and original documents, among which are requested:

– The EX – 15 application form, which you can obtain on the website of the Spanish government, in the section on the requirements to apply for the NIE.

– Copy of the passport, travel title or registration card, or identity document if the applicant is a citizen of the Union.

– Communicate the economic, professional or social reasons that justify the request.

“All foreign public documents must be previously legalized by the Consular Office of Spain with jurisdiction in the country in which said document has been issued or, as the case may be, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, except in the case in which said document has been apostilled by the competent Authority of the issuing country according to the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961 and unless said document is exempt from legalization by virtue of the International Convention”. Source: extranjeros.mitramiss.gob.es

3) Pay the necessary rate (tax)

 You must complete the 012 form that corresponds to the NIE fees and proceed to pay the corresponding amount in any financial entity that is authorized for government payments. To do this you can click here: PAYMENT OF THE NIE TAX RATE

Print 3 copies of the form, one for the bank, one for foreigners and one for you.

At the time this article is being written, the model fee 790 Code 012 that belongs to “Recognitions, Authorizations and Contests” has a cost of €9.64. Which could be modified by the corresponding entity.

4) Go to your appointment

Remember that you must bring the following documents:

• The completed EX-15 application
• The payment of the fee
• Your passport
• A copy of your appointment confirmation

At the end of the appointment, the official will give you a receipt which you must bring the day you pick up your NIE.

5) Look for the NIE

 After 5 days, go back to the Immigration Office (Avenida de los Poblados 51 in Madrid) and pick up your NIE.

Remember that if you buy a property in Spain for €500,000 or more, you are automatically eligible to opt for the golden visa, which grants you residence in Spanish territory.

 If you need help to obtain your NIE you can write to us and we will gladly answer you. Remember that we can also help you professionally to Buy a property safely in Spain, review your lease if you are looking for a rental house, or help you make your move. You can write to us directly at gustavo@gerah-realestate.es

Article written in collaboration with Gustavo Gerendas Ciavattone

Disponible en: